UK packaging firm DS Smith replaced 1.2 billion pieces of plastic 16 months in advance of its 2025 target.
The FTSE 100 packaging giant said it was able to achieve the key sustainability target ahead of its initial timeframe with help from the global FMCG brands in its supply chain.
Across the many international markets it operates, DS Smith said the UK leads the way, replacing over 274m pieces of plastic, ahead of France, which has replaced more than 260m pieces, and Germany with over 153m pieces.
Everyday plastic items that have been swapped out include fruit and vegetable punnets, plastic carriers, and shrink-wrap that is commonly found on soft drink bottles.
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It comes as DS Smith is to be taken over by US rival International Paper, after the companies agreed a £5.8bn all-share deal.
DS Smith group CEO Miles Roberts said: “There are many more positive impacts we can make by supporting our customers and communities in their sustainability goals and we are extremely motivated by this mission.
“But it is important to note that if our customers – the biggest FMCG brands – are to remove plastics at scale and at pace, they need the right regulatory framework around them.
“What we need are stronger, harmonised, global, regulations that level the playing field, to help businesses move away from plastic.”
Last year, DS Smith said it was doubling down on its sustainability goals with the aim of reaching net zero emissions by 2050.
